Chapter 15: Russia – Past and Present (p.422-441)
15.1 – A Troubled History (p. 422-428)
· Describe life in Russia under the rules of the czars and Communists.
· Outline why the Soviet Union collapsed.

I. The History of Russia
a. Descended from Slavs
b. A.D. 800s built civilization (Kievan Rus) around Kiev (city in Ukraine)
c. A.D. 1000s accepted Eastern Orthodox Christianity
d. Traded with Mediterranean world and Western Europe
e. 1200s-1400s Mongol rule reduced wealth and power
f. Moscow – became center of new Slavic territory called Muscovy
g. 1480 Ivan III made Muscovy independent

II.
Rise of the Czars